Development Academy: Virginia Rush, Richmond Kickers return to action

Two local Development Academy clubs return to action Sunday afternoon when the Richmond Kickers host Virginia Rush at Ukrop Park.

The U-18s will play on Field 2 at 2:30 p.m., while the U-16s follow at 4:30 p.m. on the same field.

Rush has been off since Dec. 15, while the Kickers last played Dec. 16.

The Kickers’ U-18s are 3-7-3 and sit in eighth place in the East Conference Atlantic Division, while Rush is in 10th place with a 2-6-2 mark. The Kickers are led by VCU commit Finnlay Wyatt, who has six goals on the season. Rush is led by Robert Kerby’s eight goals. Kerby had a standout performance during the Development Academy Showcase, scoring all eight of those goals in just three games, including a four-goal performance in a 4-0 win over St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro, and a hat trick in a 6-0 win over Met Oval Juventus.

Rush’s U-16s, meanwhile, won the opening matchup between the two clubs, taking a 2-1 decision on Sept. 22. The two teams are at the bottom of the East Conference Atlantic Division standings, with Rush at 2-7-1, while the Kickers are 2-10-1. Rush is led by Cole Smith’s four goals, along with three goals from James Ellis, Jr. and Thailer Usonis. The Kickers are led by Julian Ngoh’s three goals. Four other Kickers players have two goals apiece, constituting all 11 goals they have scored this season.

The ECNL is off this weekend and won’t resume action until next weekend.